Thursday, November 15, 2007

The silver lining...

There is always a silver lining to every not-so-perfect event/thing in life, at least from my perspective. Sometimes it's a matter of many years or reflection until we can find that lining, but I believe in every hardship/heartache or just the I-wish-things-were-different moments, that we can always see something good in them. It's a challenge, I'll admit I've had my share, but still, I hold firm to my belief of silver linings.Today I had a silver lining moment. A couple of my kids missed school due to sickness, and it's not my favorite thing in life to have sick kids laying around the house. Even for the rest of us who feel well, it takes a little bit out of us. All of our appetites slow down, the schedules have to be rearranged for work/therapy drop off/pickups, that sort of hassle. Little stuff...but still, it involves a little extra energy and effort. Not to mention the added demands of sick little kids asking for things like "carry me over there" or just the tears shed over their aching bodies.That silver lining moment of sick kids for me happened halfway through helping Brock with his schoolwork. He was feeling well enough to sit at the table and work on his math/vocabulary and reading. What I realized as I sat for an hour helping him through his work was how happy I am that my kids have great teachers and a wonderful school to go to each day...and I am thrilled with my decision not to homeschool!=)That one hour of schoolwork affirmed to me- very clearly- that sending my kids off to school is not only the best thing for them, but for me as well. I am hoping that they will all feel better by tomorrow a.m. Not only is it Friday {pizza day...they get Dominoes pizza at lunch}, but it's also the kindergarten Fall Festival party. Goodness knows we don't want anyone to miss that! I think it would be tough for me to find a silver lining from my 5 and 6 year old's perspectives for missing something that fun!Wish us all luck.=)

9 comments:

Anonymous
said...

Oh, how I laughed. . .You are so right. I love my kids dearly, but there are just somethings I know I'm not cut out to do.

I quit work about 2 years ago to stay home with our kids. (We did it because of daycare cost and so that I could be there when the kids get on/off the bus everyday.) When people found out I was staying home they would ask my husband "Oh, is she going to homeschool?" to which he would quickly reply "No, I want them to both be alive at the end of the day!"

On the flip side, I have seen some amazing moms do wonderful things with homeschool for their kids. Just not this mom.

I have to agree. I know my limits...and for me to send my kids to school shows how much I care for them! =) I have kicked the idea around from time to time...but it's nice to 'know' that I've made the right decision for all of us at this time. My hat goes off to all the homeschooling families out there. It's a demanding job to be mom/dad AND full-time teachers!

Good for you, Jody! Isn't it great to have God's direction for you confirmed? My SIL homeschooled her triplets for a year, and knew she didn't need to continue. They are in an awesome Christian school now, going on their 4th year!

Me? I'm a second generation homeschooler. There just is no other option for me, and I love life this way.

It's so cool that God made us so different from each other, and gave us children who need our strengths AND weaknesses. We grow together, eh?

It's awesome that you realize those awesome moments when they happen. Even though mine is 17, I really like the days when I am at home and she is at school. It gives me that peace of not taking care of anyone or anything for the moment.

You truly are blessed to have fabulous schools. I am a product of the Michigan Education system, and let me tell you...I ache for my little guy to have the same opportunity. It just isn't the same here. We still have 3-4 years before we need to make a decision to private school or homeschool. It is a constant prayer in our family.

Thank you for sharing about sending your kids to school. I seem to be surrounded by homeschool families, and they are some of my dearest friends, but sometimes I feel a little alone and like I'm doing the wrong thing b/c my child is in public school! She has a great teacher and class and it's good for all of us. It's good to hear some encouragement. Thanks!

ahhh having kids in public schools for 11 plus years... I have always wondered if I am doing the right thing.. cause sometimes I feel guilty if I see homeschoolers or private schoolers.... But I KNOW in my heart.. my kids are where they belong too.. while one still struggles.. the other excells... we're not all the same cookie cutters.... and I just have to keep that in focus!!!

Domino's is friday for us too!!! LOL LOL.. oh how my son wishes it were pizza hut!!! the little things that make you giggle!!

ABOUT THIS BLOG-
You have stumbled upon a link to the daily musings of my crazy life. I say crazy because things happen to me that probably don't happen to you that often- or even ever. I will write candidly about these events in hopes to learn from them, teach you about them, or just to document that they actually happened. It could be anything...but I promise to keep it real!

About Me

Hi. I am a wife and mother of 7- six of them are at home and underfoot, one is in Heaven and they have all captured my heart! I am 42, but feel like I have lived through more than some people do in a lifetime. I have definitely had some rough spots...but have challenged myself to not let those events consume or define me. I try to look at life in a positive light...and most often that means I look to God for the strength to do so. He is the source of my joy and happiness in life- even in the midst of chaos at times. Ultimately I hope to live a life that inspires or challenges other people to be their best. Kind of like a "white Oprah." I mean that with deep respect.